If you regularly question the purpose of your existence at work as you stare at the time in the bottom right corner of your ancient flickering computer screen it is time to leave.

Or maybe you don’t have this problem and are yet to take on the wonderful world of work. You know exactly what you want to do and you're all set to make your dreams come true. You have just one tiny obstacle...The INTERVIEW!

If you're really unlucky and your interview gets cancelled because they have either filled the role or decided to recruit internally you should turn up anyway and do this.

If it doesn't get cancelled then great, we can proceed with some tips and pointers.

As Oscar Wilde once said, 'You never get a second chance to make a first impression'.

According to research 90% of people decide what they think and feel about you within the first 10 seconds of meeting you. This is based on what they see, hear and what you say.

Below are some very important bullets to get those first 10 seconds in the bag:

• Adjust your attitude
• Smile
• Make eye contact
• Raise your eyebrows
• Shake hands like you mean it
• Lean in slightly

Get the haircut you’ve been putting off for weeks and shave or trim your beard. A Good rule of thumb for neat beards: If it can hold a biro it's too long. A trimmer is your best friend!

A common mistake is to try too hard to impress and take things sartorially too far.

First of all, you should wear something formal to an interview regardless of what kind of job it is. It shows you appreciate the importance of the setting you're in and more to the point; everybody looks a great deal better in a suit!

When it comes to the suit opt for plain style in Navy or Charcoal. Don't wear a black suit – these are for funerals or evening wear.

Ideally, you should keep your interview suit just for interviews so it keeps shape and looks good as new. If your suit looks tired, you'll look tired.

Follow the above and you'll make that good first impression. All you have to worry about now is the other 1,740 seconds which usually come with a few difficult questions.

A common question which you’ll most likely be asked is:

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The answers could be:

• "On the other side of this table! Like. A. Boss".
• "As far away from here as humanly possible. I'm thinking Sydney”.
• "I would see myself working for you and your company and I would be kicking ass for both of you!".
• "Unsupervised probation or house arrest depending on the judge".

But we recommend just being honest. They're not looking for someone who will just say "At this office". However, you can't say "Hopefully not here" either. Just explain your long-term goals and how this job can help you achieve it. Companies like people with goals.

After the interview you may find yourself wondering if it is ever appropriate to send a follow-up email. With the job market being so crowded these days, things like follow up emails and cover letters are not only appropriate but essential to show you really are serious about the position. It will also help you to stand out from all the other applicants.

At the end of the interview ask for a business card and send thank you emails to both the person that facilitated the interview as well as the manager you will be reporting to.

If you get a call for a second interview (fingers crossed) make sure you have another formal outfit to wear. Some people may say it is good luck to wear the same outfit again but you wouldn't wear the same outfit on a second date would you? If the suit you wore is your only or best suit then mix up the shirt and tie combination to give yourself a whole new look.

Hope this helps you get 2012 off to a good start with a dream job and if any of this advice came to any good use we'd like to hear about it over on our Facebook page!

 

Words by Craig Landale